Clinical multithermometer



Nov. 2l, 1933. O. SMITH 1,935,784

CLINICAL MULT ITHERMOMETER Filed June` 21, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov".21, 1933. o. SMITH CLINICAL MULTITHERMOMETER Filed June 21. 1930 5Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 21, 1933. o. SMITH A 1,935,784

CLINICAL MULTITHERMOMETER Filed June 21. 1930 v25 Sheets-Sheet 3 MW @sPatented Nov. 21, 1933` UNITED STATES PATE 1,935,784 CLINICALMULTITHERMOMETER Oakley Smith, Evanston, Ill.

Application June 21, 1930. Serial s claims. `(ol. 12s-2) This inventionrelates to a multi-thermometer in general, but` is more particularlyconcerned with a clinical multi-thermometer for diagnostic purposes,that is to say, with a device for simultaneously measuring thetemperature of a plurality of variable predetermined surface spots.

Before entering a discussion of my invention, it will be well to reviewbrieiiy the thoughts underlying the invention. Various symptomsattending certain pathologic conditions of the human body are manifestedby certain surface changes appearing on sections `of the body which arecontributory to the disease or disturbance; or in some Way related toit. It is widely agreed upon that certain diseased subcutaneousconditions of the body reflect characteristic symptoms, such as tension,or inflammation which reflect on the surface and manifest themselves bysensitivity to touch, by local tension and by variation in surfacetemperature. It is desirable to detect and to determine the symptomsobjectively by means of proper instruments. I

The mercury thermometer is, at the present time, the one standard ofmeasuring temperatures accurately. However, an ordinary mercurythermometer, at the present time, cannot be readily utilized forobtaining the desirable simultaneous observation of several relatedspots as outlined previously. Neither is it practicable to use theordinary mercury thermometer for recording the surface temperature of asingle spot on account of the time involved which would be required forholding the instrument to the desired spot. It must also be consideredthat the pressure applied to the thermometer when holding the same tothe affected surface spot, plays an important part and may distort theresults of the observation. Y

It is the purpose of the present invention to supply an apparatusand amethod for obtaining the surface'temperatures of several surface spotssimultaneously and objectively and thereby to enable the generalpractitioner to detect affected spots readily and with objectiveaccuracy. Although the method and the apparatus described in thisspecification is chiefly intended for the use of the profession ofnaprapathy in determining temperatures of' surface spots for diagnosticpurposes, it will be understood that its usev is not strictly limited toany particular professionA or purpose, but solely to its merits andapplicability'in any case which calls for the simultaneous selective useof several applicators or operating instruments to a plurality ofpredetermined surface spots, A-

The invention consists of an arrangement of a plurality of adjustablesupporting units brought into a desired position relative to each other.Each unit has means for suitably supporting a. plurality ofthermometers, which are placed and adjusted selectively to record thetemperatures of certain predetermined spots Within the relatively largerange and area. covered by the supporting units when assembled. Withthis arrangement, it is merely necessary to place the independent unitson the area which is to Vbe examined; to adjust the units properly inplace relative to each other; and to insert into each unit a desirablenumber of suitable surface thermometers. These thermometers are thenindividually adjusted to the particular spots which are to be measured.`

The several objects and features of the invention are briefly outlinedin the following state-V ments: Y i

Onel object of the invention is concerned with the provision of adiagnostic multi-thermometer, comprising a plurality of independentadjustable supporting lunits each provided with means for receiving andfor adjustably holding a predetermined plurality of surfacethermometers, and means for adjustably joining said units relativel toeach other and relative to a given surface.

Another object has to do with the provision of an adjustable supporthaving adjustable joints each provided for receiving and for holding athermometer or applicator, and a flexible joint for the thermometer orapplicator proper, whereby the thermometers or applicators can bereadily adjusted to record the surface temperature of severalpredetermined spots.

Still another object is concerned with the proj vision of a slidableadjusting means for attachment to a surface thermometer whereby apredetermined pressure can be adjusted for holding the recording end ofthe instrument in contact with the selected surface spot.

A further object relates to the provision of an adjustable device forvertically and adjustably supporting a predetermined variable number ofV thermometers or applicators in a predetermined variable relation toeach other.

Other objects and features not specifically enumerated above will bebrought out in the following detailed description referring to theaccompanying three sheets of drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of two adjoining vertebraewith cross marks indicating spots where the aforementioned symptomsappear and Where the recording is desired; no

view respectively,

.insulating means' applied Figure 2 indicates one form of surfacethermometer which may be used in connection with certain embodiments ofthe invention, together with adjustable means for applying pressure tothe instrument when used;

Figure 3 illustrates another form of surface thermometer which may beemployed with a certain modification of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a flexible joint for holding and for adjustingy thesurface thermometer illustrated in Figure 2 when the same is attached tocertain embodiments of the supporting unit;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of four supportingunits orelements arrangedadjustably in desirable relation to each other and`each holding a number of surface thermometers. The cross marks in thisfigure indicate a certain predetermined combination of surface spots forsimultaneous temperature measurement;

Figure 6 is a side View of a supporting unit or element in a certainembodiment of the invention;

'Figure 7 shows an end view of the unit shown in Figure 6; V

Figure'S illustrates a perspective view of a supporting unit or elementin another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is afurther modication, showing a different element or unit inperspective; Y

Figure 10 shows a partial cross-section of an adjustable holder orsupport on the adjustable unit shown in Figure 9 and is taken on line10-10 in Figure 9; y

Figures 11, 12 and 13 are a top, side and end of a further embodimentofthe invention, showing an arrangement in which several thermometers,such `as is shown in Figure 3, aand be used simultaneously in a singlesupport; an

line 14-14 of Figure 11, showing the adjustable joint or socket forreceiving and for adjustably holding aV thermometer or other applicator.

'I will now describe the invention in detail, and

z'first refer to the diagrammatic layout shown in Figure 1.

Numerals 1 and 2 indicate diagrammatically two vertebrae. Numerals 3, 4,5 and 6 designate the transverse processes, and 7 and 8 indicate the.spinous processes. The cross marks on the transverse processes and onthe spinous processes indicate the spots where it is desirable tomeasure the surface temperature posterior to the vertebrae, andthe crossmarks below `the transverse proc- -esses indicate ythe intertransversespaces where temperature measurements posterior to the vertebrae are tobe taken.

Figures 2 and 3, as will be recalled, are surface thermometers whichwill be understood with- .out elaborate description. Numerals 9 and 9indicate the meausring end of the thermometer, the one in Figure 2 beingshown bent at right angles to the registration end or column 11. Thismeasuring end 9 and 9 in Figure 3 is provided with an to the surface.meral 10 in Figure 2y indicates a lead slug or'suitable weightrwhich isslidable and movable'on the recording Vvshaftof the thermometerk inorder to apply properv pressure whenthe instrument is fused. AIt is, ofcourse, understood that a similar adjusting means canY be usedinconnection with the instrument shown in Figure 3, if desired. Thedetailsshown in Figure 4 are used in conjunction with the 26 to 31, inclusive,for

Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-section taken on ing capacity of Nuv nthermometer shown in Figure, 2. A suitablerubbertube or hose 12 holdingan ordinary wooden rod 13 at one end, may be pushed on the shaft of thethermometer shown in Figure 2 in order to provide a flexible joint andhandle for the instrument. The handle is clamped in a suitable adjustingsupport, as will be described presently.

Several such instruments or applicators as shown in Figure 2, eachprovided, if necessary and desirable, with a flexible rubber joint andhandle, are inserted into a suitable holder or support from which theyproject laterally. The arrangement is shown in the diagrammatic Figure5.

- ably joined by means of connecting rods 18 to 25,

inclusive, which are provided with slidable joints adjusting theseelements relative to each other. vThe connecting rods are removablyattached to the unit, so that the entire arrangement is detachable andconvenient for application, 4storage and shipment. Four thermometers,each provided, if required, with a flexible joint consisting of a rubbertube and handle are clamped on each of the units 15 and 17, as markedvby numerals 32 to 35 and 36 to 39, re-

spectively. Each of the units 14 and 16 holds two thermometers 40-41 and42-43, respectively.

The'thcrmometers are clamped in the units so that they are laterallyslidable. The ilexible joint provided on each thermometer permitsfurther adjustment, and it will, therefore, be seen that thethermometers can be easily adjusted relative Y to each other to recordthe temperatures of severalY 'predetermined surface spots within therange covered by the supporting elements and the flexible holders. Thecross marks denote a cerltain combination of surface spots formeasurement. This, of course, means that any desired combination ofpoints or spots can be adjusted. In other words, a plurality ofthermometers can be supported and adjusted relative to each other torecord, simultaneously, the surface tempera' tures of a predeterminedcorresponding number of variable predetermined surface spots. beunderstood, of course, that the capacity of the supporting elements orunits is not by any means limited to the number of thermometers as shownin Figure 5. More or less instruments or applica- It Will tors may beattached as desired within the hold- 'registration will be simultaneousand direct. An

additional thermometer may be attached to one of the supporting unitsfor registering the room temperature; It will also be understoodthat'the thermometers, or some of them, may be adjusted to record thetemperatures outside of the area covered by the supporting-units ifdesired.

Each -of the units is provided with movable knobs or set screws 44-45,462-47, 48-49 and 50-51, respectively, for adjusting each unitindividually in place.

The above description with reference to Figure 5, showsY the gist of theinvention. The details of carrying the same into effect aregiven belowwith reference to other figures which show several embodiments andmodifications of supporting of a supporting unit, comprising two endmembers 52 and 53, held together by means of suitable each of thesupporting units, and

zol

rods or distance attached by screws, such as 55, 56 and 57. A

inasimple and self-evident manner.

vertically slidable brackets 63-and S4, respectively, are providedronihe endmem bers,- each having an angular projection 65 and 68,respectively, which represent the rests on which'. the unit is placedwhen applied to a patents back A i groove 116. The head 1s then easilyrotatable on for taking temperature measurements.Vv be seen that ing-`from left brackets and therefore the feltV pads, `and the units will bethereby conveniently adjusted in Suitable slots or grooves maybetogether by means of adjustable rods; j i

foregoing in mind,the embodiment shown in Figure 8 will vbe easilyunderstood. The

pads or the like and 76 are attached to suitable plates 77 areindividually adjustable by means of adjusting screws 79 and 80,respectively, as shown. Slots 81 `I any approved and and 82 are providedin the bridge portion 70 for receiving rods designed to tie several suchunits together substantially as discussed in connection with Figure 5. Anumber of elongated U-shaped members are designated by numerals 83 to88, inclusive. A detailed discussion of the rotatable mounting of thespring members is omitted, since suitable method of mounting thesesprings so that they can easily rotate can be utilized to advantage.

Figure 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention, showing asupporting unit which These plates are of the adjusting There areseveral threaded holes, such as 105 to 109, provided on Adjustablethermometer holders each having a ball socket or other suitable joint,may be screwed into the holes in a simple manner. holder, designated bynumeral 110 is shown atmembers, such as 54 which are` head'f115. toright in the view shown in-Figure' 7. This curve is so proportioned asto t, approxi- Y provided Y. inthese end members for tying several unitsand 78, ,whichA ing the thermometer 143 One such transverse vface andone holder 11'l` is .shown partlyrremove'd from'the same.

Referring to the holder V1,11 and crosses'ection thereof show-n inFigure 10, the holder comprises a ball socket or other suitablejoint112-providedwitha threaded extension 113 which may be screwed intoone of the'threaded holes inthe fa'ce'l90.` This joint socketholds,rotatably, a tapering'tub'ular holder provided at its-end with aroatablehead or "tip 115. tapering holderf'is offset and'provided withan the head 115l is reset and tached to the Y provided with screws suchas 117. It is merely reset' head member onto the holder. A rubber ring118 is-inserted into the The thermometer is simply inserted into theholder, vand will beheld Vby this rubber ring. It will be adjustable incommon support for several thermometers of a different' type, namely,the one shown in Figure 3. This embodiment consists of a base shaped asshown, with sockets is a rotatable ball joint or similar joint, such forexample as is shown in the enlarged cross-section of the socket 137,illustrated in Figure 14,

It will Vbe seen from Figure 14 that the socket 137 holds a tubularmember, the periphery of which is spherical with the ends cut away. Thisof a spring 141 in the socket 137. simple arrangement attached to anannular groove The member is by this `free to rotate within the socket137. A rubber 1451 ring 142 1s inserted into the member 140 forholdindicated by dotted lines. Sockets such as 144 and 145 each holdinga plurality of movable holders as the one vjust described are shownattached to the portion 120 150- .prising a plurality of supportingunits adapted poses, such for example as in tro-therapy as a holder forcertain instruments or electrodes operating on a certain surface.

whichare to be put under observation or treatment. Y

As I have mentioned'previously', the invention is not ,limit-ed and isnot intended to be limited in its applicationsolely 1 to the professionof naprapathyor solely to the use as a clinical multi-thermometer. g Itmay be utilized in other professions, and it may serveia variety of pur-Straps or belts may be provided for attaching the unit or units to asurface.

The vshape may be changed ications and embodiments which I have shownand described, either entireor in detailyand I therefore, desire it`aware of the possibility of introducing changes or, putting the deviceto different Vuse.

limits and Within the scope of the claims which follow, and in which Ihave defined what I believe new and distinguishing in theart.

I claim: f v

1. Anfapparatus for holding instruments comto be brought into parallelrelation with the subject-matter in connection with which the case ofelecbeyond the mod-v to be understood that Iv amy I desire f to use andto apply the invention within the the instrul ments are used,y means foradjustably securing said supporting units together about an includedarea, each said-supporting unit including a plurality of means spacedlongitudinally thereof for detachably engaging instruments, said meansproviding longitudinal, pivotal and rotary movements of instrumentsWhile subject to engagement.

2. An instrumentfor holding thermometers with their bulbs in patternrelation in a substantially vuniform plane'comprising a supportingstructure adapted for. parallel disposition with respect to said plane,said supporting structure including a plurality of means mounted inspaced relation longitudinally of said structure, each such means beingadaptedto releasablyengage a thermometer and holding the same yieldinglyin ladjusted position, said means providing lorigitudinal, pivotalandrotary movements of the associated thermometers for adjustment duringengagement. l

3An instrument for holding thermometers with their bulbs in patternrelation comprising a supporting structure including a plurality ofmeans mountedin spaced relation longitudinally of said supportingstructure, each such means being adapted to receive and engage a ther-OAKLEY` SMITH.

' mometer andy providing independent, longitudi-V

